Campos excited about walk-on opportunity at Iowa

It took West Des Moines Valley linebacker Ben Campos less than twelve hours to commit to Iowa as a preferred walk-on once he was offered the opportunity. We caught up with the 6-foot-2, 215-pound Campos to talk about his decision, his future at Iowa, and much more.

Q: Why did you make the decision to accept a preferred walk-on offer at Iowa?

CAMPOS: I have just always loved the place. There is an energy about it there that makes me feel really good. I am really comfortable around the coaches. It was just the entire atmosphere.

Q: What other colleges were you considering?

CAMPOS: I was really looking at Northwest Missouri State and St. Thomas. Those were my other options.

Q: How important were the Iowa coaches on your decision?

CAMPOS: It was just a really pleasant experience with them. Their coaches are always very nice. They didn’t treat me any different than recruits that had offers. They were very genuine people and I like that.

Q: When did the preferred walk-on opportunity come for you?

CAMPOS: Coach Morgan mentioned it a few weeks ago and it was officially offered to me this morning.

Q: Did you know if a preferred walk-on opportunity came from Iowa that you would commit?

CAMPOS: Yes. I was trying to keep an open mind but I knew deep inside if Iowa came through I’d mostly end up there.

Q: Do you know when you’ll be reporting to Iowa City?

CAMPOS: No sir. I haven't gotten any details yet but I’m sure those will come.

Q: What did your brother, Iowa State lineman Jake Campos, say about your decision?

CAMPOS: He is super happy and proud but will never wear black and gold.

Q: How did you use your brother as a resource during recruiting?

CAMPOS: He was really nice to field questions. If I was thinking about anything, I’d shoot him a text and he would always answer. It also helped with networking. I knew some of the coaches because of him and that helped me in the long run. That was nice.

Q: Do you know when you’ll be taking your official visit to Iowa City?

CAMPOS: I have not but I will hear in the near future for sure.

Q: What games did you visit Iowa for during the fall?

CAMPOS: “I went to the NDSU game and the Nebraska game. I went to those two.

Q: Do you know where specifically they see you at position wise?

CAMPOS: Not really. I just know that I will be with Coach Wallace playing linebacker somewhere but you never know where I’ll end up. I am just excited to have the opportunity to play ball for them.”

Q: What does it mean to you to live that dream?

CAMPOS: It is really exciting. I don't know how else to say it. It almost feels surreal. I don't know what else to say about it. It has hit me but it hasn’t really hit me.

Q: What are you doing now to get ready for college football?

CAMPOS: I’ll do a lot of speed and agility workouts. I am not worrying about weight. I saw with my brother that they’ll put the weight on you. I just want to get faster and get quicker.

Q: How big are you now size wise?

CAMPOS: I am about 6-foot-1, 6-foot-2, and I weigh 215 pounds.

This past season, Campos finished the season with 47 tackles and 14.5 TFL for Valley.

See highlights from his senior year in the video below.